Geology and Seabed Topography Research to Support the Implementation of Indonesia's Submarine Cable Corridor Buton Island to EEZ (Hub Indonesia - USA)

Abstract

The Indonesian Government has established pipelines and cable corridors through the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 14 of 2021 concerning Submarine Pipelines and Cables. Indonesia's strategic position in the world has become a favorite route for laying submarine cables, connecting Australia and Indonesia with America and other countries. The purpose of this study is to conduct a technical study of the existing ratified route corridor on the geological conditions of the Indonesian waters. The method used is path analysis of geological and geomorphology conditions by compiling class criteria related to and increasing risks to geological conditions. The results of the geological analysis show that several submarine cable lines pass through volcanic areas and faults; also, there are areas with a seabed side slope of >20%. This condition can affect the cable laying process, operations, and vulnerability. In addition, it is necessary to rearrange the paths that have a high hazard vulnerability to disasters and other activities. The results of this study are in the form of recommendations for proposed corridor revisions that reduce constraints related to geology and geomorphology.